Peruvian Creole goats are an essential genetic resource for rural communities. These animals, descended from goats introduced during the colonial period, have adapted to extreme environments such as prolonged droughts. Our research aimed to characterize their genetic diversity, assess levels of inbreeding, and explore genomic regions under potential selection to guide future breeding strategies. Using SNP genotyping with the Illumina GGP Goat 70K chip, we analyzed populations from northern Peru. Results revealed high genetic diversity and low inbreeding, suggesting strong potential for sustainable improvement. Principal component analysis confirmed that Peruvian goats form a distinct cluster compared with global populations. Further analysis of runs of homozygosity (ROH) in six Peruvian populations highlighted ancestral rather than recent inbreeding, with ROH islands identified on chromosome 6 containing candidate genes linked to reproduction, immunity, and productivity. The next steps include establishing a phenotypic and genomic database, creating a national reference population for genomic selection, and implementing a structured Creole goat breeding nucleus. These actions will help conserve genetic diversity while simultaneously improving productivity for smallholder farmers.
Anita Corredor, Mg.Sc.
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